When he finally disconnected from the mat and pulled the helmet over his still-fading sunset locks, an explosion of cheers sounded around him. He sprinted to Talon and placed a kiss on her lips in a way that would become just as talked about as the surfing itself.
“I love you,” he declared. Talon inspired Levi in every way and, to him, inspiration was the main ingredient in the recipe for the greatest of loves. She was his world, his better-half, and he couldn’t wait until the day he could call her his wife.
He looked up at Axella, who was smiling underneath the same wide-brimmed hat she had been wearing the day she made the announcement of their move. He threw his arms around her and hugged her close, just as proud to be called her son. She was fearless and strong. Her first gene therapy session was scheduled for the end of the week, and Levi was excited for her to start a new chapter in her life.
Bockie and Mantys were standing like two love-sick teenagers. They couldn’t even break their interlaced fingers apart long enough to hug Levi, so they did an awkward three-way embrace. They hadn’t decided on whether Mantys would stay on Ohmani or Bockie would fly back to Dedrake, but Levi was hoping it was the former.
Earlier today, a bruise-faced Mantys had made a news broadcast about his kidnapping, followed by the OSP making a statement confirming the involvement of the Sinupecs. The conference itself would last another two weeks, in which The Great Rescue Treaty would become null. The Dedrake Space Organization would become the Universal Space Organization with the addition of a new western hemisphere human sect leader, Vernean Wharran.
Lastly, he shook the hand of Bale.
“Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family,” he said sincerely.
“Of course, Levi,” Bale said. Large bags hung under his eyes.
“How is Teddy doing?” Levi asked in concern. She had been medivaced to the hospital for her gun-shot wound.
“The doctor said they will be fine. I’m just worried sick, you know?” Bale confessed.
“They?” Levi asked, confused.
“She’s nine weeks pregnant. That’s why she hasn’t been at the apartment. She wanted to go see her family doctor back on Dedrake.
“Congratulations,” Levi said. He thought about how gentle the giant was with Marion, and knew Bale would be an incredible dad.
“Thank you. Her name will be Pila, in honor of my sister,” Bale said with a teary nod.
Talon threw her arms around Bale after overhearing his announcement.
“I want to live with you and Teddy,” Talon pleaded.
“Teddy has already sent for your things back on the ground and enrolled you at the Academy. You start Monday,” Bale said. “I know we can never make up for your mother, but I want you to know that we will love and support you like parents.”
Levi took her hand and squeezed it. She deserved it, and Levi had learned that blood had little to do with the real definition of family.
“I know you will…and I’ve always wanted a sister,” she said smiling. “I want you and Teddy to teach me everything you know about the spying business. Now, Bale,” she said after he began to object, “I will not accept no for an answer. I’m going to take every class at the academy that will prepare me for intelligence work and that’s what I’m going to do after graduating. I will find my father,” she paused thoughtfully.
“Do you know our language?” Bale asked Talon.
“No, I would like to learn though,” she said genuinely.
“I will teach you your first word. Kravis,” Bale began, “is Sydces for snake. He’s been on the top of our most wanted list for many years. I had no idea he was your father. I would keep that to yourself,” he warned.
“I am going to rip him apart with my bare hands...with my talons,” she said, realizing it gave whole new meaning to her name. “It has always been my destiny. My mom knew it when she named me Talon, and I can feel it in my bones. That man is mine.”
THE END
Thank you for reading! Did you like the book? Please review it on Amazon and Goodreads to help spread the word As a self-published author, word of mouth from YOU is so very helpful. Thank you. Please follow me on Twitter (@AshleyLGrapes) or better yet, Facebook (www.facebook.com/AcrossTheInfiniteVoid), to hear updates or get sneak peeks on the sequels. Thank you for reading my first book and I hope you stay with me on my own journey of story-telling.
KEEP WRITING AND RIGHTING…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashley L. Grapes is a high school science teacher currently living in Neptune Beach, Florida. She has a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences from Virginia Tech, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Tech, a Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Florida.
She is also a professional belly dancer and dance instructor. Ashley loves painting, exercising, walking her dog on the beach, living mindfully and learning. If you would like to contact her, please visit the book’s website and use the contact form.
www.AcrosstheInfiniteVoid.com
Journey to Ohmani (Across the Infinite Void Book 1) Page 29